Pitching In Southern League Premier Central new-boys, Real Bedford, have announced a new £25,000 grant fund which will benefit up to 50 local schools during the year ahead, with each school receiving £500 to spend on football equipment.
The scheme will run alongside the club’s existing local football grant programme, which supports Real Bedford Girls, Bedford Park Rangers and the newly-formed Real Bedford Elite, and the Bedford Future Fund, which was launched in 2024 and has already created opportunities for talented young people in the town in various fields.
“With families feeling the squeeze and councils having less and less funding to invest in supporting young people, something needed to be done,” said Chairman, Peter McCormack. “This is simply not acceptable; children should not be punished in this way.
“That’s why we have expanded our grant programme here at Real Bedford; we want to support and nurture football in our town whilst also giving special and gifted young players the chance to develop and thrive.
“Our main aim is to support schools in developing football across the town. We understand the budget pressures schools face, so we want to help them purchase additional football equipment, whilst at the same time, build a strong, lasting relationship with the Bedford community.
“While the grants are currently modest, our ambition, just like the Bedford Future Fund, is to grow them over time.
“For now, they’re designed to help schools purchase essential football equipment, such as balls and training gear like cones. For schools with a strong interest in football, we’re keen to build deeper and mutually-beneficial relationships.”
IMAGE: Real Bedford FC
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